San Ysidro
OH! San Diego 2025
Saturday, March 8th
About San Ysidro
San Ysidro, located at the southernmost point of San Diego, is a vibrant, binational neighborhood that reflects the rich cultural blend of the U.S. and Mexico. As a historic gateway between the two countries, its architecture is influenced by this unique cross-border connection. San Ysidro features a mix of traditional adobe structures, mid-century commercial buildings, and modern developments. The community is known for its colorful murals, bustling commercial district, and significant landmarks like the historic Casa Familiar and the iconic border crossing, one of the busiest in the world. San Ysidro’s architectural landscape tells the story of migration, trade, and cultural exchange, making it an essential part of San Diego’s diverse built environment.
Living Rooms
ADAPTIVE REUSE
114 W. Hall Ave, San Diego CA 92173
Self-guided Tour: SAT 10am-1pm
HUB Location
Living Rooms at the Border is a 13,469-square-foot mixed-use development by Casa Familiar. Completed in 2020, the project features 10 units of affordable housing, expanded space for immigration services, and the El K-Fe Barista Youth Training Program. A highlight of the development is the restoration of the historic 1927 Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, now transformed into "El Salon," a multimedia theater and performance space in partnership with Teatro Máscara Mágica. Designed by Estudio Teddy Cruz + Fonna Forman in collaboration with UC San Diego's Center on Global Justice, the project also includes a UC San Diego Border Community Station to foster university-community engagement.
Architect/Designer: Estudio Teddy Cruz + Fonna Forman
San Ysidro Civic Center
COMMUNITY CENTER
212 W Park Ave, San Diego, CA 92173
Self-Guided Tour: SAT 10am-1pm
The San Ysidro Civic Center serves as a hub for grassroots community organizing efforts like Construyendo Juntos—a bi-monthly series of community organizing and advocacy workshops designed to foster a healthy, just, and sustainable San Ysidro where residents can reach their full potential. These workshops engage community members with the latest San Ysidro developments, gather direct feedback on ongoing initiatives, and provide valuable resources to attendees.
Additionally, this space is activated by Promotoras who are the heart of the center’s health and wellness programs. These advocates lead free classes and workshops covering topics such as nutrition, exercise, and holistic wellness, ensuring that health resources are accessible to all.
Architect/Designer: Unknown
Las Casitas
HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
123 Sellsway St, San Diego CA 92173
Self-Guided Tour: SAT 10am-1pm
Las Casitas translates to The Little Houses in Spanish and often refers to small, charming residences or accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that embody traditional architectural styles. In San Diego, casitas are typically designed in the Spanish or Mediterranean architectural styles, featuring elements such as stucco exteriors, red-tiled roofs, arched doorways, and wrought-iron details. These designs aim to create cozy and intimate living spaces that complement the region's warm climate and cultural heritage.
Architect/Designer: Unknown
San Diego Public Library, San Ysidro Branch
LIBRARY
4235 Beyer Blvd, San Diego, CA 92173
Self-Guided Tour: SAT 10am-1pm
The San Ysidro Library opened on September 7, 2019, and serves the communities of San Ysidro and Otay Mesa West. The 15,000-square-foot facility, designed with input from the community, is more than three times the size of the original library built in 1924. It features modern amenities, including designated children's and teen areas, study and meeting spaces, a computer lab, a maker space with a 3D printer, a multi-purpose community room, and an outdoor movie screen. The library offers a variety of programs and events for all ages, such as homework help sessions, cultural celebrations, and educational workshops. With its commitment to providing free educational and cultural resources, the San Ysidro Library is a valuable asset to the community.
Architect/Designer: SVA Architects
Ventana al Sur
MULTIFAMILY HOUSING
411 North Lane, San Diego, CA 92173
Self-Guided Tour: SAT 10am-1pm
Ventana al Sur is a 100-unit affordable housing complex for seniors, with 25 units dedicated to seniors facing homelessness. Opened in Fall 2024, the facility includes private outdoor spaces, a resident community room, recreational courtyard, and plaza. It’s conveniently located near shops, healthcare providers, a public library, parks, and transit connections.
Architect/Designer: Rodriguez Associates Architects & Planners, Inc.
San Ysidro Teen Center
HISTORIC BUILDING
101 W. San Ysidro Blvd., San Ysidro, CA 92173
Self-Guided Tour: SAT 10am-1pm
The teen center is housed in the former and original San Ysidro Library, built in 1924, which is a historic registered building (HRB #451). The teen center opened its doors on July 11, 2022. It is a place where teens can enjoy a safe and welcoming space.
Architect/Designer: Unknown
Southwestern College Higher Education Center at San Ysidro
MULTIFAMILY HOUSING
460 W San Ysidro Blvd, San Ysidro, CA 92173
Self-Guided Tour: SAT 10am-1pm
The Higher Education Center at San Ysidro, established in 1988, holds a special place in the community as a tribute to the 21 victims of the July 18, 1984, tragedy at the McDonald's restaurant. The memorial is located at the front of the center, honoring the memory of the victims and serving as a promise to enhance the lives of San Ysidro's residents.
Architect/Designer: Unknown
San Ysidro Community Park
PUBLIC PARK
159 W Park Ave, San Ysidro, CA 92173
Self-Guided Tour: SAT 10am-1pm
Located in the heart of San Ysidro, this cherished 3.60-acre park has been a beloved gathering place since its dedication in 1983. Serving as a vibrant hub for the community, it offers green spaces for recreation, family gatherings, and cultural events. Over the years, the park has become a symbol of unity and resilience, fostering connections among residents and preserving the rich heritage of San Ysidro.
The Civic Park appears significant as the earliest public open space and designed landscape feature in San Ysidro. It is the focal point of the original Little Landers neighborhood, of which many single-family residences still exist. The park may be a contributing resource to a potential historic district associated with the original Little Landers residential development and the agricultural community of San Ysidro.
Architect/Designer: Unknown
